Andrew Posch, Former Allentown Police Lieutenant, Pal Director

March 06, 1995|The Morning Call

Andrew R. Posch Jr., 72, a retired Allentown police lieutenant, of 1918 E. Congress St., Allentown, died Sunday in Sacred Heart Hospital. He was the husband of Rose Ann M. (Fontana) Posch. They were married 27 years last June.

He served on the police force for 39 years before retiring in 1989.

Posch was school safety lieutenant, having been in charge of school crossing guards for 22 years. He gave talks on traffic and bicycle safety rules at schools, conducted bicycle rodeos, inspected bicycles at playgrounds and raised funds to defray costs of trips for school safety patrols. In 1984, he took on the additional duties of property officer.

Before becoming safety lieutenant, he was a sergeant, director of activities and secretary for Police Athletic League (PAL). He also had been a traffic sergeant and a patrolman and served on the motorcycle patrol.

Recipient of numerous commendations, he received the Governor's Safety Award in 1983.

In 1972, he received the Law Enforcement Recognition Award from the Lehigh Valley Insurance Underwriters for his longtime work with youth. He was also cited by the Optimist Club and Kiwanis Club for his work in safety.

A member of the Allentown Bowling Hall of Fame, Posch received awards for his work in PAL, helping young people become proficient in bowling.

Before joining the police force, he was an assembler for Mack Trucks Inc., Allentown, 1941-49.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Andrew Sr. and Anna (Reichl) Posch.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception BVM Catholic Church, Allentown.

He was an Army veteran of World War II, attaining the rank of sergeant. He was involved in the Invasion of Normandy, and was a prisoner of war in Germany. He received four Battle Stars.

Survivors: Wife; son, Michael A. of Allentown; sister, Emma Gellis of Bethlehem; brothers, Herbert of Whitehall Township and Walter and Edward, both of Allentown, and a stepson, John R. Doll of Orefield.